31 Mei 2013

OSI Maritime Systems ECPINS-W (photo : OSI)OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) is pleased to announce the signing of a contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), South Korea.As part of the program, DSME will build three Type 209 diesel submarines (SSK) for the Indonesian Navy. Under the terms of the agreement, OSI will deliver three Integrating Navigation and Tactical Systems, including ECPINS-W Sub software.ECPINS-W Sub is the most advanced navigation software in the world specifically designed for the unique requirements of subsurface navigation.(Maritime Executive)

The Silver Ship’s new 40 feet Riverine Patrol Boats can hit speeds of 40 knots. (all photos : Militaryphotos)The Philippine Navy (PN) is set to receive six riverine patrol boats (RPBs) from the United States in August under a US Navy (USN) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract.A Silver Ships riverine patrol boat (RPB) on trial in the United States.1513348A Silver Ships riverine patrol boat (RPB) on trial in the United States. (Silver Ships)According to an official at manufacturer Silver Ships, a contract was signed with the USN in September 2011 and the boats were completed a year later. However, delivery was delayed until early May this year due to "non-availability of marine transport".Although the boats are capable of open-water operations, they will be used primarily in shallow waters. They have a length of 40 ft, a beam of 10 ft 8 inches and a draft of less than two feet.

The boats feature a centre console configuration and a bow ramp to permit egress of embarked troops during beaching operations. They have three weapon mounts - two forward and one aft - for machine guns and grenade launchers as well as ballistic protection.Powered by two Hamilton HJ-292 waterjets, each driven by a Yanmar 6LY2A-STP diesel producing 440 hp, top speed is 40 kt. Fully loaded, range is greater than 250 n miles at a cruising speed of more than 30 kt.

In other news, the PN announced in March it was looking to buy three more multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) to add to its fleet of six vessels. "This acquisition is under our mid-term development plan for 2014-2017," said PN spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic.The MPACs are similar to the CB-90 Combat Boat. The first three were constructed by Lung Teh Shipbuilding in Taiwan, while the following three were built locally to a revised design by Propmech Corporation, based in Subic Bay. The PN is hoping to later acquire 42 MPACs but funding remains an issue.(Jane's)

ADF CH-47 Chinook (photo : ADF serials)Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly today announced that three Tenderers have been selected to progress Project Air 9000 Phase 7 which will provide a new helicopter aircrew training system to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).AIR 9000 Phase 7 is an important project which will deliver a new joint helicopter aircrew training system for Army and Navy to be based at Nowra, New South Wales.This new joint training system will overcome the broadening gap in training systems required for the advanced operational helicopters to be operated by the future ADF, including 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters, 47 MRH90 Multi-role helicopters, 24 Seahawk Romeo maritime combat helicopters, and 7 CH-47 (F) Chinook medium lift helicopters.The new joint training system will allow the retirement of 40 Kiowa helicopters operated by Army and 13 Squirrel helicopters operated by Navy. The new training system will comprise a combination of light twin-engine helicopters, with options for basic and advanced avionic systems; a mix of Synthetic Training Devices (Simulators and Part-Task Trainers); new Training, Administration and Warehousing facilities; and Integrated Through Life Support. An Aviation Training Vessel will also be supplied as a component of the new training system through existing Defence Maritime Support arrangementsThe three short-listed Tenderers are the teams led by Australian Aerospace Ltd, Boeing Defence Australia Ltd and Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd.The Request for Tender was issued in early 2012. The three short-listed Tenderers will now enter the second phase of the evaluation, which will include the development and evaluation of final proposals.A decision on the successful tenderer is expected by mid-2014, with training on the new expected to commence in 2016/17.The total project value is up to $1 billion.(Aus DoD)

The Philippine Navy's (PN) second Hamilton Class cutter, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), will be fitted with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, a military spokesman said.Alcaraz, now undergoing sea trial off the waters off South Carolina, is expected to leave the US and sail to the Philippines first week June. The ship is scheduled to arrive in the country by August.Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, the PN spokesman, said the ASW capability will be installed on the Alcaraz and a helicopter that will be assigned to her. ASW or Anti-submarine warfare capability refers to the capability to detect, track and destroy submarines. "As an additional asset it will greatly improve our maritime domain/situational awareness (capability) because of its capable of long range deployment," said Fabic.At present, the Filipino warship is believed to be carrying an 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, two 25 Bushmaster guns and assorted machine guns.It is also reported to be carrying a Harpoon anti-ship missile system.Also, since the ship is fitted with hangar facilities, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz can embark a naval helicopter that can further extend its monitoring and detection capability."A helicopter can be launched from the vessel allowing wider and further coverage," said Fabic, who also disclosed that additional surveillance equipment like radar can also be installed on the ship."As a platform, radar equipment like that of the littoral observation stations (coast watch stations) can be mounted for wider range data gathering. All of these will be linked in a shore facility for better command and control for effective decision making," the PN spokesman stressed.According to Fabic, Alcaraz is "fully mission capable" on her arrival. (Manila Bulletin)

Thales Hawkei vehicle (photo : Thales)Thales Australia has delivered a further two Hawkei vehicles to the Defence Materiel Organisation on schedule.The handover of the two Reconnaissance variants under Stage 2 of the Manufactured and Supported in Australia option of Land 121 Phase 4 means that all six vehicles are now with the Department of Defence for testing. All vehicle delivery milestones have been met on schedule.The six vehicles comprise two Command variants, two Utility variants and two Reconnaissance variants, plus a trailer.The majority of the evaluation process is being undertaken by the Commonwealth at Monegeetta in Victoria, and includes survivability testing, communications system integration testing, electro-magnetic interference/compatibility testing, reliability growth trials and user assessments.Vehicles already delivered have so far completed almost half of the planned 100,000km of testing scheduled for the evaluation period. Subject to successful testing of the vehicles, final approval of the project is expected circa 2015, as detailed in the 2012 Defence Capability Plan.Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said: “We are very pleased to deliver these final two vehicles to Defence on schedule. They are backed by the expertise of our protected mobility engineering teams, and we are working closely with Defence to support the testing and evaluation process.”“We have invested $30 million in Hawkei, and Australian industry has also put significant effort into the development of these vehicles. I’d like to thank all the companies in the supply chain who have helped us meet this important milestone.”The Hawkei is manufactured at Thales’s Bendigo facility in Victoria. Employing 200 people, Bendigo is also home of the Bushmaster vehicle that has proven very successful on Australian Defence Force operations overseas.LAND 121 Phase 4 is a Department of Defence project that seeks to provide up to 1,300 protected light vehicles.(Thales Australia)

29 Mei 2013

Seaplane DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 C-GVTU of the Vietnamese Navy (photo : Phunu Today)After a period of testing and factory installed storage systems support / landing on water surface and Twin Otter seaplanes second Navy Vietnam continues to undergo the test phase important.Seaplane DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 HQVN second system was installed pontoon construction support / landing on water.According to the Canadian media, after the flight test phase of the test at the factory and go through the process of system integration support life take / landing on water. At the beginning of last May, seaplane DCH-6 Twin Otter Series 400 Second Vietnam Navy began testing process capability "amphibian" takeoff and landing runway on water and on land .

Earlier, the company Viking Air of Canada has held the ceremony carefully seaplane DHC-6 Series 400 of the first Navy Vietnam at Victoria International Airport. Both Twin Otter seaplane were first painted and numbered as required performance of Vietnam Navy. The first Twin Otter brought a number MSN 867 and MSN 872 second. All of the Hovercraft DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 Navy Vietnam are painted red flag with yellow star (national flag) in the tail fin steering and anchor forces combined effect characteristic of naval forces in the nose of the aircraft.

Seaplane DCH-6 Twin Otter Series 400 second Vietnam Navy began conducting flight trials from the plant earlier this month 1/2013 the last stepping stone to prepare for the next test phase, before upon delivery to the customer.

According to the foreign media, Vietnam purchased Twin Otter seaplane to serve the naval patrols Vietnam. The aircraft is equipped with radar and will support fleet 6 Kilo class submarines built by Russia that Vietnam has ordered in 12/2009.

Besides monitoring capability, reconnaissance Marine, Twin Otter seaplanes also undertake rescue missions, rescue, transport involved senior officials of the Party and the military in the ability to visit the island by "toxic incomparable "its take off and landing on the water easily.

With the progress of the current test, the reception of the seaplane as "wild goose" Navy will help Vietnam not only enhance patrolling and monitoring the waters of the exclusive economic fact that the South China Sea also opens a new page - giving birth to the Air Force's first naval Navy Vietnam.(Phunu Today)

After two biddings failed, DND will acquire through a negotiated procurement system (photo : Rice Aircraft)DND set to acquire 21 Huey helicoptersMANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) will acquire 21 UH-1 helicopters through a negotiated procurement after the two public biddings for the air assets failed.Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said they need to fast-track the acquisition of the helicopters to beef up the Air Force’s security and disaster response capabilities.“We cannot afford not to have additional helicopters for a long time. The rainy season is approaching. We need the helicopters for disaster response,” Manalo told The STAR over the weekend. “We also need them for our existing internal security operations.”The government has allotted P1.2649 billion for 21 helicopters, which were originally intended to support election-related duties. However, the procurement of the air assets has been delayed due to failed biddings.“The decision is to proceed with the procurement. Since there are two failed biddings, it will be through negotiated bid,” he said.Manalo explained that under a negotiated bid, companies that signified interest to supply the equipment would be invited to submit a proposal. Other firms could also submit offers.A team composed of representatives from the agency that would use the equipment would evaluate the proposals.The first public bidding for the 21 helicopters was held last December.The Defense System/Radom Israel and Rice Aircraft Services, Inc. participated in the bidding but both companies failed to meet the requirements set by the DND.The second bidding was held last February and only one bidder - the US-based Rice Aircraft Services - was declared eligible to submit an offer.The DND, however, declared that the company had failed to satisfy some financial requirements during the post-qualification phase.“The problem lies on the technical and administrative matters on the part of Rice,” Manalo said.“(Rice) did not meet (some requirements) based on the financial statements (it submitted). Through such documents, we can see a bidder’s financial capacity,” he added.The DND requires bidders to submit financial documents to determine if they are capable of undertaking the project or supplying the needed equipment.The Air Force requested for additional helicopters as early as 2011.It only has 16 mission-capable UH-1 helicopters in its inventory, 51 units short of the ideal number of operational combat utility helicopters.(PhilStar)

Night 25/5, two unmanned aircraft by the Institute of Space Technology (Academy of Science and Technology of Vietnam) manufacturing continued successful implementation of the program with a four-night flight flight towards the South China Sea 50km.According to Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang - Chairman of topics made unmanned aircraft for scientific research, the aircraft was flying in fully automatic mode, in accordance with the original itinerary flight commander for approval.During night flights, the aircraft is equipped with infrared cameras, camera mounted infrared lens for night service dedicated research programs.

AV.UAV.S2 night flying toward the East Sea (photo : Institute of Space Technology Vietnam)This morning (26/5), six unmanned aircraft continue to perform 10 successful flight research collaboration between the Institute functions under Academy of Science and Technology of Vietnam.

Dr. Lang said the results of the test flight program serves "Highlands 3" in Da Lat and flight test results for marine scientific research (both day and night-flying) helped the group in Nha Trang Research Institute of Space Technology continues to improve the aircraft, preparing to take on mass production, marine air service operations in particular and economic development - society in general.

Aircraft not signify a person's driving Vietnam Fatherland flying in the sky (photo : Institute of Space Technology Vietnam)Earlier, on 25/5, six unmanned aircraft took off at the beach Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa, 100km from the city of Nha Trang north start flying program for scientific research on the marine waters Central.This is a scientific research program coordinated between Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, Institute of Research and Technology Applications Nha Trang Institute of Space Technology.Dr. Pham Ngoc Lang - Chairman of topics made unmanned aircraft for scientific research - said the plane had been "assigned task" very specific.

Australian AWD (image : RAN)Australian engineering company Taylor Bros has been awarded a $15 million contract for the installation and fit-out of the living spaces for the three Air Warfare Destroyers that are under construction at Techport Australia, SA.Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance CEO Rod Equid said the contract demonstrates how the project is continuing to offer economic benefits by providing valuable work for businesses in the supply chain.“The awarding of work to fit-out the living spaces within the ships shows progress on the project as the Alliance moves into the consolidation and integration phase. Consolidation of the first destroyer is well advanced and fabrication work is also underway on ships two and three,” Mr Equid said.“Taylor Bros is an icon in Tasmania’s shipbuilding industry and are delivering a range of accommodation products to the project including cabin modules, on-board furniture and galley, pantry, refrigerated spaces and laundry equipment for all three ships.“This latest contract will put Taylor Bros’ to work within the interior compartments of the ship to fit and install the accommodation equipment in order to create comfortable spaces for our future sailors to live and work.”The contract will create jobs for up to 20 new fit-out specialists in South Australia with assistance provided by Taylor Bros Hobart facility. This adds to more than 2500 people working directly on the project including engineers, naval architects, project managers, welders, electricians, designers and support staff. Taylor Bros Director Phillip Taylor welcomed today’s announcement saying this contract will provide another avenue of opportunity outside of Tasmania which is extremely important to the long term prosperity of the company.“This is an exciting opportunity for us working in the Naval Defence industry at a time where local projects are scarce. It will ensure we have ongoing involvement with the AWD Project through to the final acceptance by the Commonwealth in 2019,” Mr Taylor said.The contract with Taylor Bros, signed by ASC on behalf of the AWD Alliance, includes fitting out the sleeping quarters, sanitary spaces and mess and living rooms for junior and senior sailors and officers.Work will begin on installing the prefabricated officers’ accommodation and Chief Petty Officers’ cabins leading into the cool and cold rooms, galley and pantries. Further work installing the laundry, junior sailors and medical compartments will continue once the ship is in the water. Other service compartments they will work on include the sick bay, examination and treatment rooms, supply storerooms and scullery for all ships. The AWDs are being built by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance, made up of the Commonwealth Government’s Defence Materiel Organisation, lead shipbuilder ASC and Mission Systems Integrator Raytheon Australia. The three world-class warships are to be delivered to Navy between 2016 and 2019.(Aus AWD)

PT Pal also offers SSV concept to Philippines Navy (all photos : Defense Studies)MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is now rushing the procurement of big-ticket items, including the acquisition of two naval vessels to improve the country’s territorial defense.In line with this, DND planners held a pre-procurement conference yesterday for the acquisition of two service support vessels (SSVs) worth P2 billion each for an outlay of P4 billion.“We are rushing our procurement of big-ticket items for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” said Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, whose office is directly in charge of the acquisition of military hardware.Defense sources said that Japan, Singapore, South Korea, France, and Italy have expressed interest in supplying the country with two SSVs that are multi-role vessels which could serve as a Navy platform for search and rescue operations during disasters since the ships could be fitted with hospital facilities and a helipad, aside from its primary role as a transport vessel capable of transporting one battalion of troops with armored vehicles.“It’s a mission capable ship, though a little smaller than the MRV (multi-role vessel),” the source said.

He said the pre-bidding conference would be held soon for the procurement of the two vessels with several defense contractors expected to participate.On top of this, the DND is also in the final phase of its procurement of a squadron of T50 trainer jets from South Korea through a government-to-government deal.South Korea is also being eyed to supply the country with two brand new missile-firing frigates instead of the two Maestrale warships being offered by the Italian government.The AFP has lagged behind its neighbors in terms of military assets and equipment due to neglect by the past administrations.However, with the recent developments in the region, the Aquino government is prioritizing the acquisition of military hardware for the AFP to rebuild a credible defense capability to secure the country’s territory.China’s aggressive posture in its territorial claims in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea had prompted the AFP to speed up procurement plans for new military hardware.(PhilStar)

First batch of RAN personnel recently completed their MH-60R NATOPS Evaluations at NAS Mayport, Florida.(all photos : RAN)Another DMO MH-60R milestoneA milestone has been achieved by the AIR 9000 Phase 8 Project Office, with members of the Integrated Test Team (ITT) being the first Australians to complete their initial MH-60R (Romeo) qualifications.LCDR Simon Lam (Aerosystems Qualified AvWO and MH-60R T&E Manager), LCDR Joshua Carey (USNTPS Qualified Test Pilot and MH-60R Test Pilot) and LEUT Timothy Clerke (Flight Test Engineer) form the MH-60R test team embedded into the DMO to support the introduction of the MH-60R. LCDR Lam and LCDR Carey recently completed their MH-60R NATOPS Evaluations with HSM 40 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Mayport, Florida.The pair commenced their training with other aircrew from NUSQN 725 in early March. After a significantly compressed 9 weeks of accelerated study, computer based learning, simulators and flights they completed their final NATOPS Evaluation on 15 May 2013. The NATOPS check consisted of an open and closed book examination, oral examination, a simulator evaluation and a flight evaluation. The examinations and evaluations focused on ensuring LCDR Lam and LCDR Carey had a comprehensive understanding of the aircraft systems, HSM-40 SOP’s, United States (US) Airways and all Emergency actions in event of an aircraft malfunction. The process was designed to ensure they met the standards required to safely operate the MH-60R and also operate within US airspace. This now means they are the first Australians qualified on MH-60R as part of AIR 9000 Phase 8.

Both LCDR Lam and LCDR Carey have a S-70B-2, (Bravo), flight test background and agree that whilst a derivative of Seahawk family, the MH-60R is a far cry from the Bravo they have previously flown.For LCDR Lam, the highlight of training has been exposure to the MH-60R modern digital cockpit and the new advanced mission systems focused on the Battle space.“New systems such as data fusion, ISAR radar and Link 16 will enhance aircrew and ultimately the ship’s Operations Room’s situational awareness. Significantly, the re-introduction of the dipping sonar to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations will provide a new and improved capability to the RAN."For LCDR Carey, the highlight of training has been the interaction with the United States Navy (USN) flying instructors and the opportunity to participate in USN flying training again.“Every single US instructor has been 100% invested in achieving our aim of being qualified. As always, I have been impressed with the professionalism, dedication and pure aviation skill that I have witnessed throughout my training.”Both Lam and Carey were impressed with the rate in which their training progressed. The pair had up to four simulator or flight events scheduled per week, with their simulator events scheduled anywhere from 0700 until midnight. This was as a result of the Squadron’s training program of seven days per week, from 7am through until midnight which resulted in up to 20 training flights being available per day.With NATOPS behind them, the steep learning curve does not stop. The team have a few more weeks to absorb the aircraft’s mission and weapon systems before relocating to Patuxent River in Maryland, south of Washington DC, the heartland of the US Navy’s Test community. They will join USN Test Squadron HX 21 to support testing of the Australian configured MH-60R, with the unified aim to deliver the first Australian aircraft in December this year.Their achievement of a NATOPs qualification is a significant milestone in the ultimate delivery of the MH-60R back to Australia and will go a long way to ensuring there is an integral systems and airframe knowledge at a Flight Test level embedded in the RAN.(RAN)

KFX 4.5 gen fighter (image : naver)LEIDEN, Netherlands (UPI) -- With South Korea edging closer to deciding on a contractor for its $7.3 billion KF-X fighter program, a European competitor is dangling a new carrot to its bid.EADS, based in the Netherlands and part of the consortium that builds the Eurofighter Typhoon, says if the aircraft is chosen to replace South Korea's antiquated F-4 and F-5 fleets, it will invest $2 billion "and its technology in the KF-X to help Korea to become a fighter jet producer."The announcement follows that of Eurofighter, which promised to assemble 53 of 60 aircraft to be produced in South Korea. It's estimated the local assembly would lead to creation of 50,000 jobs.EADS has also said it would build a maintenance repair and overhaul facility for the aircraft in South Korea and an aerospace software center."If Korea chooses Eurofighter as its next generation fighter jet and EADS invests more than 2 trillion KRW [$2 billion] in the KF-X program, it will bring bigger economic effect than the SURION and Korea will be the fifth country [that] produces Eurofighter, high-level fighter jets," EADS said."It will also create strong political and military ties with Europe."SURION is a Korean utility helicopter developed by Korea Aerospace Industries with technology obtained from Eurocopter, an EADS subsidiary headquartered in France."The SURION raised Korea to the 11th helicopter manufacturer in the world," EADS said, and created 25,000 jobs.In its news release, EADS emphasized its business ties to the country. KAI, it noted, has supplied parts for Airbus aircraft since 1998.Airbus, located in France, is another EADS subsidiary.Other competitors for the KF-X contract are U.S. companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Lockheed is offering its F-35 Lightning II fighter while Boeing is offering its F-15 Silent Eagle.A news report from Seoul says the country's Defense Acquisition Program Administration expects to make a final decision on a contractor next June."The price negotiations have been completed and we don't plan to have another round of negotiations," DAPA spokesman Baek Yoon-hyeong told a news briefing. "We plan to conduct the auction within June."Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports the South Korean government has requested possible procurement of weapons in support of a "potential Direct Commercial Sale" of F-15 SE aircraft.The package, if approved by Congress and if it goes through, would include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.The deal would be worth $823 million.Among items requested: Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Joint Directed Attack Munition Tail Kits, small diameter bombs, general purpose bombs, AIM-9X-2 (Blk II) tactical missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts."The proposed sale will provide the ROK with aircraft weapons for the F-15SE," the agency said. "These aircraft and weapons will provide the ROK with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces."(UPI)

The patrol boats replace three older vessels operating in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, guarding against drug traders, smugglers and illegal fishing fleets. They are also tasked with providing security for the royal family.

Marsun spent 26 months building the three boats, which measure 21.4 meters long and 5.6 meters wide. They have a top speed of 30 knots, range of 350 nautical miles and can operate continuously 24 hours.

The nine-person crew has three weapons at their disposal: a 20mm gun on the bow, half-inch machine gun on the stern and an 81mm grenade launcher.

Missile container consist of eight SSM (all photos : Philippine Embassy for USA)The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the country’s second Hamilton-class cutter due to arrive this August, is a far more potent weapon platform than her sister ship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), a Department of National Defense (DND) official who asked not to be named bared yesterday.“Her weapons system is heavier and sophisticated than those of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar,” he said.

However, the DND officer declined to specify these weapon systems and stressed that such items cannot be divulged due to matters of national security.He made this announcement when asked if there is truth to reports that a Harpoon anti-ship missile system was installed as part of BRP Ramon Alcaraz’s armament fit.At present, the Filipino warship is believed to be carrying a 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, two 25 Bushmaster guns and assorted machine guns.

In contrast, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which arrived in the country in December 2011, is only armed with the 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, making it prudent to install additional 20mm automatic cannons as her secondary weapons.BRP Ramon Alcaraz is presently carrying out sea trials off the waters of South Carolina in the United States.She is expected to depart for the Philippines by first week of June.

The ship is “fully mission capable” on her arrival.Maritime observers said this development speaks well of the PN efforts to modernize and boost its power projection capabilities.“With the arrival of our Hamilton-class cutters, which are being converted to frigates, the PN has started its first step in developing its blue-water capability or the ability to detect or engage intruders in the high seas,” they said.(TribunNews)

24 Mei 2013

CN295 will make visits to Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia(photo : Guillermo Granger)Airbus Military and PTDI promoting transport aircraft in the ASEAN region.A CN295 military transport aircraft of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense will be making a tour around six ASEAN countries to promote the capabilities and efficiency of the transport aircraft that PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Airbus Military are producing jointly. The aircraft will make visits to Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia between 22nd and 31st of May.The C295, denominated CN295 in the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, is a medium-sized multirole airlifter for both civic and military use. The tour, organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, PTDI and Airbus Military, and led by Vice Minister Sjafrie Sjamsuddien, will showcase the benefits of the aircraft which is optimally suited for the wide range of humanitarian and defence tasks that ASEAN Governments need to cover. These missions include military transport, emergency response and medical evacuation, search and rescue, maritime patrol, or even more complex missions such as anti-submarine warfare or electronic surveillance missions.The visits will also allow explanations on the specific capabilities of the CN235 and the NC212i, an upgraded version of the C212 launched in November 2012 between PTDI and Airbus Military with new avionics and autopilot systems as well as an increased passenger seating, increasing its cost efficiency significantly.The Indonesia Air Force currently has two CN295s in operation out of the nine units ordered from PTDI. By 2015, all of the nine units will be in service in Indonesia, with deliveries to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense taking place from the delivery centre and a final assembly line that Airbus Military and PTDI are setting up in Bandung, Indonesia, as a direct result of PTDI’s and Airbus Military’s Strategic Partnership signed in 2011.In total, over 120 C295s have been ordered world-wide from Airbus Military and currently almost 100 are in operation with countries such as Algeria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal and Spain.Meanwhile, the CN235 and NC212, with sales of over 270 and 470 respectively, are operating successfully in over 30 countries in the world. The operators of CN295, CN235 and NC212 are extremely satisfied with the reliability, capability, and robustness of the aircraft, which are extremely easy to operate even in hostile and difficult environments. As a result, the aircraft currently have the clear leadership in this segment.